The winter weather brings treacherous driving conditions. Equipping your vehicle with proper tires that can overcome winter conditions becomes crucial for safe navigation.
I used to think normal tires would be sufficient for winter until I got struck on an icy slope. After switching to the winter tires I have found more control and impressive grip in extreme situations.
Winter tires are engineered with advanced technology that can handle challenging weather conditions better than general tires.
They might cost more, but the peace of mind and safety are worth it for their performance.
So over our experience and research of more than 25 winter tires and based on various selection criteria we have listed the top 6 winter tires for 2024
What makes winter tires different from general tires?
- Equipped with a more aggressive tread pattern
- Rubber compounds in winter tires are flexible even at low temperatures.
- Snow groove technology allows efficient evacuation of snow and slush
- Some winter tires are fitted with metal studs for maximum traction on icy surfaces.
What Are The Best Winter Tires?
1. Falken Espia EPZ II
Load Range: XL
Load Index: 90
Max PSI: 50PSI
Finding reliable winter tires is tough, but Falken Espia EPZ II will blow your mind away with its performance and durability.
Deep aggressive tread and advanced silica compound technology will help you to handle snow and ice without any effort.
Impressive traction, braking, and stability give you peace of mind during your winter driving
While driving on slippery roads, I found extraordinary control of mine over the vehicle. The braking capabilities of these tires in those conditions are quite praiseworthy.
These tires also absorb road noise for a quiet smooth ride. After miles of driving you will feel less fatigued without loud disruptions.
The durable compound ensures longevity, a worthy investment. If you are willing to conquer challenging winter terrain with ease then I’d highly recommend these Falken Espia EPZ II tires. You won’t regret buying these tires.
These tires are backed by Falken Tire Road Hazard Protection Guarantee.
What I like
- Excellent traction on winter roads.
- Enhanced handling and stability offer drivers confidence.
- Remarkable braking capabilities
- Quiet and comfortable
- Durable and excellent wear-resistant
What I dislike
- Average performance in dry roads so not suitable for all-year use
- Quite expensive than regular all-season tires.
- Difficulty in mounting due to their complex tread pattern.
Helpful reviews
“The first question people might ask is why the low rating for Wet and Snow? Because the performance of this tire is a Jekyll and Hyde story. On the ice, these tires are pretty good. On snow, they work ok in a straight line but they will let go suddenly in the corners and at a much lower speed than the 3 other winter tires I have used in the past 4 years on various cars.
Together the snap gives away nature plus the lower limits mean it will likely catch you by surprise. On wet they have little grip on braking. It can be scary. Overall I am recommending people buy other tires. This one can put you on a river of excrement without a mode of propulsion.
These are no longer in my car. The replacement X-ice 2 made me realize how bad the EPZs were. Don’t take my word alone though. there are some European and Japanese reviews of this tire and overall they agree with what I said above.” Falken
“The tires came as fast as a race car, not mounted yet but look like real nice tires for the money, I wanted winter tires for my Subaru Forester which is not a real heavy car, and I also wanted to feel my wife was safe on the road. if they work out as I expect they will I will surely be back for more tires.” priority
2. Cooper Discoverer True North
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 110
Max PSI: 50PSI
Handling icy winter roads is tough, but don’t worry more when Cooper Discoverer True North is here.
Advanced snow groove technology pulls through snow or slush with ease. I used to dread driving in poor weather, but these tires grip slippery slopes with total control.
You will be amazed by its braking capabilities in sudden maneuvers. Once I braked hard on the snowy hill to my surprise my SUV stopped smoothly without sliding.
The micro-grooves give a reliable grip even on loose terrain. The tapered grooves significantly reduce the noise. You won’t be irritated by disruptive sounds even after hours of driving.
With an aerodynamic profile and eye-catching design, these tires boast substance and style. Coopers engineers carefully tested them across carrying winter terrain so you can trust their excellence.
Durable construction ensures longevity so that you don’t have to worry about the replacement of tires for many years to come.
If you are planning to conquer icy and snowy roads with full confidence then Cooper Discoverer True North is one of the better options for you. You will be astonished at how capable they tackle winter’s toughest challenges
You can get a 45-day satisfaction guarantee with these tires as well.
What I like
- Unique tread pattern enhances snow traction
- Excellent wet and dry performance.
- Outstanding winter performance
- Less noise and more comfort
- More wear and tear resistant ultimately making it durable.
What I dislike
- Less fuel efficient
- May not be available in all tire sizes
- Not perfect for extreme off-roads
Helpful reviews
“I’ve put around 35,000 miles on these so far and I could not be happier. They are a little louder on the road than my last set but a bit of noise is a small price for safety.
I drive back roads, a lot of highway miles and I live on that “last street” to get plowed when it snows. These tires never lost grip in the rain or made me feel “out of control” in the snow. These tires do exactly what’s advertised and I will continue to put them on my Range Rover until I can’t find them.
Installed on a 2014 Range Rover Evoque.
The previous tires were Perrelli Scorpios, and they were garbage. These Cooper Discoverer True Norths have blown me away with their capabilities and road noise. For winter tires I was expecting much worse but the road noise is comparable to the Perrelli I had on the vehicle prior.”winter-tire
“I’m sure they would be good in snow, but in rain/sleet, they easily hydroplane. On wet roads, when I step on the gas, they spin with no traction, when starting from a stop, and when I slam on the brakes, they slide for a bit before stopping. I am probably going to have them taken off my car. Very disappointed, I am not sure if it is just the tires or the car. with my radial tires, I did not have this problem. I’m sure in all other areas the tires are great. I am open to any suggestions to resolve this issue.”cooper_tire
3. Yokohama IceGuard IG52C:
Load Range: XL
Load Index:95
Max PSI: 50PSI
Anyone lacks confidence while driving on slippery slopes and harsh winter landscapes, so to add confidence in your driving Yokohama IceGuard IG52C is here in the market.
Its indegenious treads grip snow and ice effortlessly and the advanced siping technology increases the traction at multiple angles.
I remember once on an icy hill which was a tricky location that would have caused skidding if it was a general tire thanks to IceGuard IG52C letting me maneuver.
The cutting-edge silica compound enables better responsiveness so you can brake smoothly no matter the temperature.
You will find these tires quiet over rugged terrain.
The durable design looks brand new so you don’t have to worry about tire replacement. It’s the perfect balance of longevity and high performance.
With unwavering control and stability in the winter roads that give you chills, I highly recommend getting IceGuard IG52C. Get these tires this winter and drive safe.
What I like
- Remarkable grip on snowy and icy surfaces.
- Superior handling on turns, slushy corners, patches
- Comfortable and quiet ride
- Long term reliable
- Compatible with multiple vehicles.
What I dislike
- Moderate fuel efficient
- Not Available in remote regions of the world
- Higher initial cost
Helpful reviews
“Driving up the winding mountain roads to our local ski area can be treacherous, with its mix of ever-changing wet and dry road conditions. However, I didn’t have any issues when navigating these challenging 16 miles in my Yokohama tires – they kept me safe as if I were driving on a straight stretch of smooth asphalt!
My car was under control even while taking sharp turns or pushing it close to its limits; two other cars ended up in ditches yesterday but mine remained firmly planted throughout the journey. Driving the new Mazda3 was a thrilling experience, however it became almost unmanageable with its factory tires.
After researching Tirerack and other online reviews I came across iG52c, which was highly recommended for winter driving conditions – not just snow but also ice or wet roads! Having spent more than two decades at Bogus Basin skiing in Boise gave me a unique insight into how these tires handle even on deep snow (though as of yet untested).
Their affordability combined with impressive performance made them an ideal choice; they offer reliable grip without compromising safety, even when pushed around interstates during rain.” worldtirereview
4. General Altimax Arctic:
Load Range: XL
Load Index:86
Max PSI: 51PSI
You can’t simply rely on luck while navigating through treacherous conditions. In the contest to find the ultimate tires for winter tires, General Altimax Arctic will fulfill your desires.
General Altimax Arctic tires tackle traction with passion providing unmatched grip on cold surfaces. So you won’t be tired of sliding like Otters on snow.
Altimax Arctic tires are equipped with advanced technology that efficiently disperses water eliminating the aquaplaning phenomenon.
The Altimax arctics aggressive tread pattern will put an end to the situation where we feel vehicles start to sink when buried in snowbanks.
On my vehicle, its deep grooves and specially designed biting edge work helped tirelessly to establish a strong grip on snow-covered surfaces.
The innovative engineering helps to minimize the road noise which enhances the driving experience without compromising safety.
With their unique rubber compound, these tires deliver excellent mileage ensuring your investment is worth it.
I can say that it emerged victorious in carving a path through a mountain of snow. Snow lovers when the cold wind blows and snowflakes dance equip yourself with General Altimax Arctic tires.
What I like
- Outstanding grip on snowy and icy surfaces
- Impressive handling on curves
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Long-lasting
- Affordable price
What I dislike
- Limited availability of some peculiar sizes
- Stiffer in normal road conditions
- Not suitable for year-round use
Helpful reviews
“I have used 8 sets of General Altimax Artic tires over the last 10 years, on 5 different vehicles. We live in Colorado and drive over Berthoud Pass multiple times a week while commuting from Winter Park to the Front Range.
The higher the performance of the vehicle, the better the tire performs vs the competition. Blizzaks, PW11, X-ice, and another Winter tire were better than all seasons, but none matched up to the performance of the Arctic on dry snow, wet snow, and ice.
I had one set studded but discovered that their performance on snow was not as good as non-studded while the improvement on ice was only marginally better… overall, not worth studying. Another bonus? These tires last longer than my Blizzaks. They go on our cars every November and stay on until the end of April.”General
“I’ve had many sets of the previous generation Altimax Arctics, and was a little worried that these would not live up to the aggressiveness of the old ones in deep snow. My fears were abated quickly though – these worked amazingly well on my ’03 BMW Z4 3.0i and allowed me to get through the rough MN winter without much trouble, which is no small feat for a torquey RWD roadster. Many top-down drifts were had.
Treadlife seems to be even better than the old model – though I am a very aggressive driver and like to kick the tail out when I can, and usually get <10,000 miles per pair of rear tires – I put about 8-10k on these and the rears are still at half tread. My fronts look to be nearly new tread depth yet. Can’t say enough good about these. They’re worth it, and $500 is far better than your insurance increase when you rear-end someone in the winter by having subpar tires.”simple-tire
5. Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 91
Max PSI: 51
I have found myself fearing winter months because of trouble caused by snow-covered roads. Then I tried Toyo observe GSi-6 HP tires- they reformed my winter driving experience.
These tires can grip the road even in challenging winter conditions. You don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding because Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP ensures exceptional traction on icy and snowy roads with innovative micro bit technology
A high tread pattern along with an advanced tread compound allows you for confident cornering and improved stability.
While encountering slushy and wet roads you don’t have the risk of hydroplaning thanks to its efficient water evacuating feature.
I have experienced tranquil and smooth rides which is the result of advanced tread design. These tires are engineered with resilient materials and a robust construction so you don’t have to worry about tire replacement after the season ends.
As a user of Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP, I can say for safety and a more enjoyable ride you should consider these tires as one of the options.
What I like
- Outstanding grip on icy and snowy surfaces
- Confident cornering due to its responsive grip facilities
- Circumferential and lateral slits help better performance on wet and slushy roads
- Durable construction
What I dislike
- Reduced traction on dry surfaces
- Slightly more road noise than all-season counterparts
Helpful reviews
“I slapped these bad boys on my 2015 Ford Focus hatchback and the snow-covered roads felt like dry summer pavement. Excellent grip in the Michigan winter. I use these seasonally so they don’t get much wear. Quiet, plush, and the best part is they keep me on the road pointed in the right direction without a hint of slipping. No need for AWD when you have the right tires for winter. Regain your confidence in snow and ice no matter your car!” toyo
“I had these tires installed before picking up my new(to me) V60. I drove the car from Montreal to Halifax. Initially on dry roads with temperatures below freezing. What first struck me was how quiet these tires are. Not just for winter tires but also compared to the all-season Continentals I use for summer driving.
The next day I drove in blizzard conditions(driving snow on an uncleared highway) which eventually turned to slushy(wet snow) roads then finally wet roads. So within 24 hours, I was able to test these tires in every winter condition other than hardpacked ice. They performed flawlessly and were confidence-inspiring. Very stable, quiet, and responsive. Very happy with these tires and would recommend them to anyone.” gsi-6hp
6. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Load Range: SL-XL
Load Index:84-107
Max PSI: 51PSI
Driving on icy roads is always risky we have to pray to God for a safe ride during these conditions. With the Pirelli winter Sottozero 3 on the market, we don’t have to depend on our luck anymore for winter driving.
What I have experienced in snowy uphills is that the tire’s wheels began spinning and I saw treads dug right in the snow and powering my vehicle with ease. These optimized Sipes will also provide grip during acceleration and braking.
You will experience lesser braking distance even in freezing temperatures which is the contribution of a special compound in rubber that remains flexible even in cold weather. So it doesn’t lose control but your vehicle will come to a smooth quick stop at applying brakes. While driving there is no noise from tires so you can enjoy your ride with music as well.
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tire has met my expectations when it comes to winter driving. Whether you’re driving through heavy snow or navigating icy roads these tires got your back.
Just give them a try and experience the next level of driving this winter. These tires won’t let you down.
What I like
- Effective mitigation of hydroplaning risk
- Exceptional grip on snow-covered roads
- Reduced fuel consumption
- Longer tread life
- Quiet and comfortable ride
What I dislike
- Higher initial cost
- Reduced performance in winter
- May not be available in some specific size
Helpful reviews
“Driving a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro RS with staggered fitment. 245/40/20 up front and 275/35/20 on the back. I swapped over from Continentals Extreme Contact DWS06+ in early November and got a bit of dry driving below 50 degrees. In dry and rainy conditions, they handle extremely similar to the Continentals, with similar traction, sound, and handling around corners. We got a snowstorm during Thanksgiving weekend and got some snow/ice driving early!
The massive surprise is driving on Ice, you can feel the tires biting into the ice and giving you some traction, although it feels rough compared to driving on snow. But the rough-ish ride on ice acts as an indicator for when you’ve cleared the ice and back on snow/pavement.
The tires also grab and go in snow/slush, providing a comfortable ride that gives you plenty of feedback on what kind/type of snow your tires are hitting. Overall, these tires have done great and haven’t made me regret buying them in any condition. Whether it is dry conditions before the snow falls and you need to quickly accelerate, drive in rainy conditions, or safely drive a muscle car through a snow storm, Pirelli Sottozero 3’s have got you covered!” sotto zero
“I purchased these Sottozero 3’s because I have been a loyal fan of the brand for some time and Simple Tire had an amazing sale on Black Friday coupled with a rebate from Pirelli.
As this was the first winter my new car would be subjected to and not owning a garage, I wanted to be sure that it would be well-equipped for whatever Mother Nature decided to throw at it. Snow has been rather sparse in Chicago thus far (unseasonably dry), but I have had the opportunity to utilize these tires for their intended purpose a few times.
Traction is amazing in either rain or snow. Even dry-road performance has been incredible. As most of these tires are working best at 45 degrees or colder, they have performed admirably thus far. I couldn’t be more confident about the purchase. Hopefully, they will last multiple seasons!” Pirelliwinter
Related
Choosing All Terrain Tires For Winter: Buying Guide
When selecting all-terrain tires for winter driving, there are a few key factors to consider:
Size
The overall diameter and width should match your existing tires to avoid any clearance or calibration issues. However, consider upsizing to a slightly taller sidewall for extra puncture resistance, or wider tires for additional floatation on loose snow. Just ensure the tread doesn’t hang over the wheels or rub on components.
Tread Design
Look for an aggressive pattern with lots of sipes (small slits) and edges to grip snow and ice. The void ratio between tread blocks should be around 25% to prevent snow compaction and maintain traction. Winter-specific compounding also improves flexibility in cold temps.
Performance
Focus on winter traction and braking. Look for tires that include the mountain/snowflake symbol indicating they meet an industry standard for snow performance. Softer compounds provide grip on ice but may wear faster on dry roads.
Price
Generally, more expensive tires provide better performance but don’t overspend. Do research to find the best value for your priorities. Cheaper tires may save money upfront but wear out faster.
Warranty
Longer treadwear warranties offer more value over the life of the tire. Ensure any traction, mileage or road hazard warranties meet your needs. Read the fine print on coverage limitations.
Brand Reputation
Look to established brands known for quality and innovation. Check professional tire tests for real-world data. Reputable dealers can also provide guidance.
FAQs
What makes winter tires different?
Winter tires have tread designs and rubber compounds specifically engineered to provide superior traction, handling, and braking on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Key features include extra siping, more flexible rubber, and wider, deeper grooves to “bite” into the snow.
Do I need separate wheels for my winter tires?
You don’t necessarily need a separate set of wheels, but it makes changing over easier since you can mount and balance the tires only once per season. Using separate wheels also protects your summer wheels/tires from harsh winter conditions.
Are studded tires worthwhile or should I get non-studded winter tires?
Studded tires offer the very best ice grip, but are overkill in many regions and generate road noise. High-quality non-studded winter tires provide excellent all-around winter traction for most drivers at a lower cost. Check your local laws on studded tire usage dates/restrictions.
When should I put my winter tires on and take them off?
As a general best practice, install winter tires once temperatures are consistently below 45°F and swap them out once daytime temps stay above that threshold in spring. Early installation means avoiding being caught off-guard by early snow.
How do I know when my winter tires need to be replaced?
Winter tires wear faster than all seasons and should be replaced once the tread depth is below 4/32″. The tread compound also hardens over time, so it’s best to replace winter tires after 6 years regardless of wear to maintain optimal winter grip.
